Michelle DenBeste

Provost Michelle DenBeste has been at CWU since May of 2020, after working for 20 years at CSU Fresno. Michelle has a BA in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Washington and an MA and PhD in History from Southern Illinois University. Her scholarly research focuses on Russian women doctors in the 19th century. As an administrator, Michelle has served as a department chair, a dean, and the primary investigator for a number of federal grants. Michelle is passionate about international travel and has led student study trips to London, Prague, and Russia. This year she was honored to be chosen for the Fulbright Administrator grant and had the opportunity to travel to France with other educators. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys the incredible outdoor opportunities in the amazing Pacific Northwest: skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking and camping.